Where They Wait, And So Do We.
Chapter 5 of 13
neelix‘It kills you to see them grow up.
But I guess it would kill you quicker if they didn't.’
~Barbara Kingsolver~
Hermione
‘Severus! That’s enough!’ I can feel my body shaking as I forcefully remove his wand tip from Ron’s throat. They stare at each other unmoving before Severus grudgingly steps away. I stand between them to keep them apart, only this time I am keeping Severus from Ron, not the other way around.
‘We have to hear what happened before you hex him,’ I say firmly, even though I feel precisely the same way. At no point during the war did I ever feel so helpless.
‘It had better be a fucking good story, Weasley.’ Severus stands his ground, a nerve twitching near his jaw. I’ve lived with him long enough to know that his temper is just simmering below the surface and it will take very little for him to blow again.
‘I am really sorry, Hermione.’ Ron pleads with me but all I hear is his eleven-year-old self, whining about Snape and too much Potions homework. He has never truly matured, but I did know that deep down.
‘You should be apologising to both of us, Ron. Severus is Happy’s father, and I suggest you don’t forget it.’
I feel suddenly exhausted, and as I glance at Severus I see the storm has passed. His shoulders slump, and the fire in his eye is replaced with anxiety and pain, a look I haven’t seen since… Well, since the time everything changed. Judging by the dark shadows, he’s been drinking too much. I don’t have the energy to ask what has driven his mood to seek solace in the Firewhisky. I know already, of course.
I sink into the nearest chair, not looking at either of them as they find their own seats on either side of me. I want to be with Happy, but Harry was insistent that he carry out the scans in the Stasis Room, and the least amount of adult magic in there the better, apparently.
‘Explain,’ Severus murmurs, loud enough for his voice to reverberate across my cheek. Ron leans forward warily to look at Severus, and I know he’s gauging just how safe he is. He shouldn’t worry, because yet again I sit between him and perceived danger.
‘We were playing Soft Quidditch. Happy was on my broom with me, and I promise you, we were only a few feet from the ground, and I used a Sticking Charm to make sure she wouldn’t slide around too much. I thought she was safe, but as we turned to dodge the Bludger, I swear to you, she just flew upwards. I think when she realised she was just floating in the air, she panicked and started to fall. I turned back to get her, but I just wasn’t fast enough. Honestly, it really was an accident.’
Severus has stiffened in his seat, and I know exactly where his thoughts are going.
‘Don’t you dare,’ I whisper, laying my hand on his forearm. ‘She was always going to inherit some of your traits, Severus, just as she has mine. It’s not your fault.’
‘I should have considered…’ he mutters.
‘Nonsense. We can’t wrap her up in a Cushioning Charm all of her life, and this is just another aspect of her magic she can learn to manage. You can teach her, Severus. You’ll have to, because she will be too scared to do it on her own.’
I feel him relax, and I’m aware of Ron watching us as I speak. I turn to look at him, and he shakes his head.
‘Unbelievable. How do you do it, ‘Mione?’ He smiles a wan smile, and I know he needs forgiveness. I’m not ready yet.
‘You told our daughter about the Dark Lord,’ Severus says quietly.
Oh, fuck.
‘Harry said I had to keep her awake; I had to tell her something!’ Ron is indignant now, and I can’t blame him really.
‘It’s okay, Ron. We just didn’t want her to know until she was older, when we can explain it properly,’ I say quietly. I really cannot be bothered with this tennis match any longer.
The waiting room has a small kitchen area to the side, so I get up and grab a glass and fill it with cold water from the jug beside it. I hear Ron telling Severus that Happy thinks he made the story up, but it’s too late for all of that. She’s an inquisitive girl.
That’s one of the traits she inherited from me.
***
Harry
I feel like I’m on automatic pilot. This isn’t the first time I’ve dealt with such an injury, but despite this and any previous positive outcome, I can’t seem to shift the ball of fear in my stomach. This time, no matter how far apart we’ve all been and no matter how professional I appear to be on the outside, this is personal.
This is the child I would never have had if things had been different. That he would never have had. What would his life be now if he and Hermione hadn’t…? No. I can’t think about that now, for fuck’s sake. And yet I can’t shake the image of them together in the Treatment Room, so cosy, so close. As Minerva would have said, they’re a good fit.
I’m staring at the girl as I watch the changing colours of the scan. Thank God Marcus is recording the results, because I haven’t been paying attention at all. She seems paler, but that could be because I’m looking at her through a pale, yellow haze.
Hang on a minute. Yellow is not a positive indicator.
‘Marcus,’ I say urgently. ‘Let me see the results so far.’
He’s frowning as he passes me the clipboard, and as I scan my eye over his notes I can see why.
‘Compound fracture, internal bleeding… Shit.’ I close my eyes and take a slow, inward breath.
‘Shall I put the child in steady stasis, Mr Potter?’ his voice is clear, organised, and I’m very glad to have him with me because suddenly I’m all over the place. My hands are shaking.
‘Yes, do that. I’ll go and speak to her parents again. I think surgery is the only option.’
I see Marcus nod and walk to the side of the bed, his wand at the ready. I leave the room and feel chilled to the bone.
I had often imagined what I would say to Snape if I ever had the good misfortune to bump into him, but never had I thought I would be telling him that his daughter could, might, possibly will, die.
I enter the waiting room before I can turn around and come back later. The air is charged, the silence deafening. Snape is staring into space, his face a pale mask of tension and concern. I realise I have seen this same mask staring down at me from the Hogwarts head table on any number of occasions, when I thought he hated me. How wrong I was. We all were.
Hermione is up first, wringing her hands tightly, and her eyes searching mine for any sign of hope. I look away and speak to a point beyond her shoulder.
‘I need to speak with you and Severus in my office,’ I say calmly. I don’t know how I got the words out, but they hang there momentarily until I turn and walk away.
As I try and formulate my next sentence, I can hear the familiar thud, thud, thud of dragon hide boots behind me, and I wish they were following me for a better reason.
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Latest 25 Reviews for Making Happy
80 Reviews | 6.75/10 Average
So good to read this again.
Seriously lovely.
Yay for happy endings! You have done a fantastic job with this, Neelix. Really, it was beautiful from start to finish. I think this ended perfectly where it did, but I would be lying if I said I wouldn't be thrilled to see little glimpses of the future here and there. I like the conversation between mother and daughter on the train. It would be totally unrealistic if Harriet didn't have some reservations about how her peers would accept this unconventional family. It isn't the norm, and kids are cruel. Still, you make the point that different is not equivalent to bad. She just has extra people to love her is all. Regardless of her nerves about what people will think, I have no doubt that she knows deep down how very special she is and how very much she is loved.I don't think she will get too much grief about her parentage. Having three of the most instrumental folks in wizarding history as your family has got to count for something, right?I really, really love Harry's confidence in their relationship. He could feel nervous due to lack of verbal confirmation on Severus' part, and yet he seems to just know that this is right and that it will work between them for always.I hope the writing of this tale lifted your spirits a bit. I know reading it did for me. Thanks so much for sharing such a great story!
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
thank you so much for your positive response to this. I'm really pleased with the way it was recieved, and yes, I did really get a boost from wiritng it!There will be new one-shots intermittently I think, firstly from Severus' POV. I'm still off work but I hope to go back soon . I miss the craic, to be honest!
So glad to see them together at the end. I really liked your story telling from each person's point of view. As someone else said, Snape's point of view on the bonding would be lovely to see.Well done.
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Thank yu so much for reading. I intend to do a few one-shots to go with this, i think.
This was fantastic. Although not my usual pairing preference, the characterizations were outstanding. I agree with the request for a sequel. Very interesting to see how they balance the alternative family and how the kids handle it. It is always fun to see the true potential of a kid with parents such as Hermione and Severus too! Thanks for writing!
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Thank you so much - I seem to have convinced a few people about the pairing!
Well now everything is sorted and in its proper space. Nicely done you!
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Thankyou! I had a lot of fun with this x
Well, my dear, this simply BEGS for a sequel !! Snarry is generally not my thing so much, but this tale was written with such sensitivity and plausability of character that I was ensnared. Fine work !!
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Wow. Thank you for that! perhaps I will do some one-shots to go along with this. A sequel would need further plot, and not their bonded there's no where to go!
AWWWWWWWWWWW! This is perfect ending. Maybe one day you'll write about Severus' feelings for this evening. I would have loved to see his face when he discovered the box in his plate. And his emotions while Harry paased the ring on his fingers should be interesting to know. Please?
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
I might do a special one-shot just for you from Severus POV :) Thanks for reading xx
Response from snitchette (Reviewer)
*squeeeee* THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!
Awww ... this was nice. One thing that I have really enjoyed about this story is that there is conflict at the proper times, but it is quickly resolved. Not that I don't enjoy long drawn out angst and such, but that is not what this story is ultimately about. I think the cat is out of the bag as far as any secrets between them, so all that is left to do is pursue this relationship. Something that I needed to convince me that this pairing can work is a mature Harry. I'm ok with SS/HG where she is young, but for some reason it is hard for me to stomach a young, inexperienced, immature Harry with Snape. No worries with this version of Harry; he is perfect.Hermione is going to be absolutely delighted by this latest development. Happy probably will be as well. I don't see that there is anywhere to go now, except towards a happy ending -- no pun intended :)
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Thank you honey - sorry I'm so late in replying, I've been off radar for a little while.Thanks for reading x
Well, from Harry's perspective, Hermione has given him a lot to think about. From my perspective, what the hell is he waiting for? Go to Severus now and tell him how you feel. Geez, men.I love the interaction between Severus and Happy. I can see why he was worried about Hermione taking her away as he clearly loves her dearly.Severus and Hermione have taken an awkward situation and made it even worse in the interest of protecting Harry and Happy. I hope they can make things right for all parties involved.I will be interested to know how Happy came about. I thought in the beginning that Harry and Severus were a couple and wanted a child and Hermione volunteered to help, but then somehow things went belly up and he and she ended up staying together. Then I thought that maybe Severus and Harry were a couple, but because of maybe lots of alcohol and some bad choices, they ended up sleeping together-just this one time- and Happy was the good and bad outcome. Guess I will wait and see.On a personal side note, Harry and Happy are two of the Hippos in the game Hungry, Hungry, Hippos which my son has just recently discovered. I've thought about you each and every one of the ten thousand times we have played over the last week :)
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Ahh yes, Hungry Hungry Hippos - this is the bane of Severus' life in Hilltop Cottage, the devil's own entertainment! lol!!More comes clear in the next couple of chapters, and as you say, Harry is never backward about coming forward so...
Response from HBAR (Reviewer)
I knew if anyone would understand my pain, it would be you and Severus!
At last! Harry knows the truth. Whew thats a releif. ((bounces)) Severus ought to duck if knows whats good for him. I expect he is going to get a good shouting at by med witch Potter. Hee
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
lol... I think there may be some strong words, you're right. Harry is like a dog with a bone really!
Hooray! You had me genuinely worried about Happy there. I have a very hard time picturing Hermione with Rosemerta, but then Ginny was taken and Lavender was REALLY not her type, so who knows? I guess the wizarding world figured out Artificial Insemination, though chances are they don't do it with a glorified turkey baster. ... well, maybe they do. Why use magic when simple Muggle methods work just as well? It's no use guessing- I'm pleasantly surprised every time.
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Well. I'm glad I was able to make you feel something. Next chapter wont be long. Thanks for reading.
I can't wait to hear Severus' story about the conception of Happy. Because honestly I thougt it involved a lot of alcohool followed by a pityful performance and a great headache afterwards, maybe regrets too.
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
That would have been a fun scenario to write, actually, but no, not like that. I won't keep you waiting for much longer.
... as I Floo home, I’m feeling more confused than I was before.*pats Harry on the back* "Me too buddy, me too."Where, may I ask, is my explanation of this vow? Hmmm? I'd sic Severus on you, but I'll be damned if he isn't soft and squishy around the edges in this tale. And if that sounds like a negative comment, it isn't. I love your Severus. He retains his hard exterior, biting words, inherent insecurities ... all of the things that make him who he is. But when he is with Hermione, or Happy, or now Harry, he softens a little and that makes a hard-to-love man loveable.You may very well be able to take credit after so many before you have failed, to turn me into a Snarry fan. I'll hold out until the end to decide, though. No pressure, really.
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Thank you for reading, even if Snarry isn't your thing. I warn you now there will be sex coming up. I'll do my best to make it believable so that you don't feel the need to avert your eyes!Severus is a bit softer in this story. He's a different man, I think, and having Happy changed him beyond his own imagination. I'm sure that he's looked back on his own childhood and decided to be a different sort of parent.I have to be honest, I have struggled with the last couple of chapters. Hopefully the next one will be easier.
Response from HBAR (Reviewer)
I warn you now there will be sex coming up. I'll do my best to make it believable so that you don't feel the need to avert your eyes!You've found my issue with these two. There can be a ton of sex, or none at all ... I just always have a hard time with a relationship between these two feeling believable. I'm liking them so far, even though their interactions have been repressed. Fear not, I have absolute faith in you to make this work.
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
No pressure then. That's good!lol... I'm on chapter 10, sex will be in 11 I'm thinking. Wish us luck (thats me, Severus and of course, Harry... bwahahahaha!!!!)
AAaarrgh! I thought we might find out about the Vow in this chapter!! Well, I am glad that Happy is alright, anyway. Both Hermione and Severus will be able to face anything that happens now. Severus seems to be a great father so why he should have worried about Hermione taking her away, I don't know. Still insecure that everyone he loves will die/run away I suppose and whatever he Vow is, I don't think it has helped him to grow emotionally. Though I think having a daughter has, so perhaps he's ready to jump into the deep end with Harry. *Crosses fingers!*
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
I think you're right about Severus and his insecurities. He has been abandoned by everyone he's ever cared about.The Vow isn't that exciting, really! lol... I think everyone will be majorly disappointed.
I'm so relieved Happy's well. I don't believe Severus would have ever recovered from her death, even with Harry's love to support him.
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
I think you're right,
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
. Onwards...
Thanks for not killing Happy off. Okay I really didnt think you would, but I was nervous for a bit. The vow is lifted, the child is recovering seems to me its time for the adults to have a discussion. Drum roll please for the next chapter!
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
lol... Next chapter is on it's way. Thanks for reading x
Well it is about time. I've been wondering about all of this vow business; the what and the why of it all. I certainly hope that this means the next chapter gives more insight into it all. Knowing you and your wily ways, the next chapter will probably be from Happy's POV, and will take place while she is under for surgery so will just be a blank page, LOL. Ok. you're not that bad. Still, don't make us wait too long for more, pretty please.
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Dont panic - Chapter 8 is with my beta ARo so you won't have to wait long - I really wish I had done a blank Happy POV, lol!!! I'm not that clever!I hope the reveal makes sense to everyone... *doubting self*
Oh, my gods..... what..... what...... ????!!!!
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
you need to refer back to Chapter 1! lol...
I can't believe I just tore right through the first chapters. I need another fix immediately! * taps foot* Lol, actually this is REALLY excellent. I'm quite enjoying it. Dare I surmise that...well no I won't. I'll let myself be surprised.
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Thank you so much. next chapter is WIP but shouldn't be long x
Oh WOW he removed the vow ! I want the next chapter immediately!!! You are so evil to withhold it! This was just heartbreaking watching both Hermione and SEverus suffer so. Poor Happy.
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
It's carnage, I agree. It has to be. You have to break a few eggs... :)
What??? Oh my. *aughhhh...I have fallen.* Off the cliff I go.*giggle* Let's just say I am enjoying this immensely, and am looking forward to your next thrilling post.Thank you again for sharing~
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
I hope this means you enjoyed the chapter. lol! next update wont be as long, i promise.
YOU are a very bad author!!! What's this vow (un unbreakable one?) that he made. To what purpose? YOu better update quickly *stare menacingly at you*
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
hehe... *cackles evilly* *makes you wait*
What a delicious diner they had. I'm jealous. *wink*
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
I think I preferred the dessert! Thanks for reading x
I LOVE this chapter!! ANd considering thess two sentences "I’ve never seen him look so bloody edible in my life, and my mouth goes dry.""I feel an urge to lick the exposed flesh"I'm wondering what, precisely, thay are going to eat for diner...
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Haha... With Severus in the house there's only one thing on the menu ;)
Thanks for reading :)